The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: jerziekid on April 19, 2013, 12:25:38 pm

Title: Cutting the Control Panel
Post by: jerziekid on April 19, 2013, 12:25:38 pm

Hi everyone. What is the best way to measure and draw the curve in the control panel to make the cut like in the bottom of this photo: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3020514409_2748d82545.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3020514409_2748d82545.jpg)

Thanks!

Title: Re: Cutting the Control Panel
Post by: Vigo on April 19, 2013, 01:23:08 pm

This is a good method:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121083.msg1284333.html#msg1284333 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121083.msg1284333.html#msg1284333)

Title: Re: Cutting the Control Panel
Post by: bsktbllmn23 on April 19, 2013, 03:43:55 pm

Its obvious that I frequent these forums when I can predict the link that Vigo posted to yak's post.

Title: Re: Cutting the Control Panel
Post by: shponglefan on April 23, 2013, 08:31:15 am

Couple points from experience (per the post Vigo linked to):

1) For measuring, use a wire, not a string.  Tried with a string and I've found that it can result in an inaccurate curve due to the stretchiness of the string.

2) For cutting, the most accurate way is using a router jig.  I tried a few inital panels using a jigsaw, but it was never as accurate as I wanted.  With a router jig you're guaranteed a perfectly smooth curve.

Title: Re: Cutting the Control Panel
Post by: WaRpEd on April 24, 2013, 07:14:08 pm

Another method uses a wooden yard stick with a nail or screw on one end and a pencil attached to the other. You could put 2 of these together to get any radius you desire.

Title: Re: Cutting the Control Panel
Post by: ebarlow99 on April 25, 2013, 03:21:22 pm

or send me your layout and I can laser your control panel to your liking!
precise cuts and can add t-molding slot to the front if you wanted